Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis wrote this statement, along with gay Council member Michael Wilson, in response to community criticism of Davis’ statements in a Nov. 20 New York Times column about religion and homosexuality:

I have worked hard to unite Vallejo and I will continue to do so. To those I have offended by my comments, I apologize. My words were taken out of context. I care for the entire community and my desire is to build consensus on our diversity. Let me be clear, I have and will stand against hatred, discrimination and divisiveness wherever they exist.

Michael Wilson, my friend and colleague, and I have issued this statement to put to rest the rumors of hate being circulated based on the New York Times article “Tolerance and Faith Collide.” We are united in our efforts to build consensus in our city and will stand together to confront hatred and division. It should go without saying and is certainly obvious to all who know me that my conduct, actions and decisions have demonstrated my conviction for fairness for all people and my love for this city.

My family consists of people of different races, religions, lifestyles and political views, and I prefer it that way. Diversity is what makes our community special and unique.

Councilmember Wilson and I were elected on a platform of consensus building and over the past two years, we have and will continue to serve the Vallejo community with an open mind and an open heart.

I invite all to help us build a diverse community we can be proud of. During these difficult and challenging times, we must pull together. Let’s not allow divisiveness to get in the way of what we need to do in order to heal and strengthen our community. We have a lot of work to do. We must stay the course and remain focused on overcoming the challenges at hand. Please join us in moving forward.

Otto Warmbier was arrested in January 2016 at the end of a brief tourist visit to North Korea. He had been medically evacuated and was being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center when he died at age 22.